Classical – in a word

There was some discussion in the comments on a recent post about what we call 'classical' music. We all know what it means … or do we? As Pragmatist pointed out there is a distinction between the Classical style (Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert – with a capital 'C') and the style of classical music, which covers everything from Gregorian Chant to the latest piece on James MacMillan's desk (with a small 'c' – and an 'a' too in Jimmy's case). So does anyone out there have any new ideas for a more precise nomenclature?And what about C/classical music itself? When does Romanticism get started? Some might say as early as Gesualdo (1566-1613). And when does Classicism end? Some might say as late as Brahms (1833-1897). But, if so, what about neo-classicism, just around the next-but-one corner, soon after Stravinsky's springtime virgin was sacrificed. Schubert has a good claim to have a foot in both Classical and Romantic styles; and there are those who would claim (including the composer himself) that Chopin was more Classical than Romantic.

Terms are meaningless, until we dispense with them … then we can't wait to start using them again.